Doha Blasts: Israeli Strikes Target Hamas Leaders in Qatar, Khalil al-Hayya Reportedly Martyred

Multiple explosions rocked Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, in what Israeli and Arab media outlets are describing as a targeted assassination attempt on senior Hamas leaders.

According to Arab media, at least six powerful blasts were heard in the Katara District of Doha, where Hamas representatives were present for negotiations. Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke rising from the area after the explosions.

Reports indicate that senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya was martyred in the strikes. Hamas has yet to issue an official statement confirming the death.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and intelligence agency Shin Bet confirmed that the Israeli Air Force carried out precision strikes in Doha, targeting Hamas leadership. An Israeli military spokesperson said the operation was aimed at senior Hamas officials responsible for planning the October 7 attacks and coordinating ongoing operations against Israel.

The attack follows earlier warnings by Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir, who had threatened to pursue Hamas leaders abroad after recent operations targeting Houthi allies and Hamas military spokesperson Abu Ubaida. Zamir held a high-level meeting with his commanders, stressing that Israel must be ready to “surprise and reach its targets anywhere,” and announced preparations to deploy additional reserve forces to intensify fighting against Hamas in Gaza.

He further stated: “Most of Hamas’s leadership is abroad — we will reach them as well.”

The Doha strikes come amid a broader Israeli campaign of targeting Hamas leadership outside of Gaza. In July 2024, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, while other senior Hamas figures have been targeted in Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.

Hamas’s spokesperson Abu Ubaida, reacting to recent attacks, vowed that operations against Israel would continue from Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and other fronts.

Qatar, which has long hosted Hamas political leaders as part of international mediation efforts, has not yet issued an official statement on the Doha incident. If confirmed, the assassination of Khalil al-Hayya on Qatari soil would mark a major escalation in Israel’s campaign and raise serious regional security concerns.

The situation remains tense, with further international reactions expected in the coming hours.